Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc provided assistance to 410 families from Silay and Victorias cities affected by the New Year’s Eve flooding in Northern Negros.

The food packs distributed in the relief operation came from the generous cash and in-kind donations of various groups and individuals. Each pack includes a child sexual abuse protection information material along with rice, sardines, noodles, and ‘bihon.’

The organization aims to reach 2,000 families.

Though far from the target, NYLI Executive Director Kevin Gaitan said they are privileged to be trusted by Kaya Natin who has made a significant contribution to reaching more families.

Gaitan also expressed his gratitude to other partners and individuals “who have pooled resources to respond immediately to the needs of the Negrosanons in the third district.”

Key partners for this initiative include JCI Metro Iloilo, Youth Empowering Youth Initiative, Bacolod Youth Alliance, Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, and the Sangguniang Kabataan of the respective barangays where the relief packs were distributed.

“Our work engages SK councils as we believe that through our shared efforts, we shall be able to reach the hardest-hit areas first,” Gaitan added.

As they strive to reach more families trying to recover from the impacts of the flashflood, NYLI continues to encourage contributions through their various donations channels accessible on their Facebook page.

The Institute also highlighted the need to protect the remaining forest cover of the island and called for the declaration of a climate emergency following the recent devastating calamities that hit not only Negros, but also other parts of the Philippines./Joshua Villalobos, Program Officer